Scientists discover new species of 'music frog' in Arunachal
Itanagar (PTI): Scientists have discovered a new species of 'music frog' in Arunachal Pradesh, based on morphological, molecular and acoustic evidence.
The new frog of the genus Nidirana is phenotypically distinct from its congeners by a combination of morphological characters, the scientists claimed in an article published in the November 15 edition of the journal Zootaxa.
The scientists Bitupan Boruah, V Deepak and Abhijit Das, conducted field surveys in Changlang and Lohit districts of the northeastern state between August and September, last year.
Nestled within vegetation in shallow pools of water, the scientists found male frogs with 'robust' bodies calling loudly. Other specimens were heard from nearby marshy areas, the edges of a newly constructed pond and the side of a nearby road, they mentioned in the article.
The scientists said that they have collected five of the Noa-Dihing Music Frogs three males and two females. The species is also known as Nidirana noadihing.
The new species was named after the Noa-Dihing River, which is near where the specimens were discovered and collected.
The frog has a "robust" body, with males measuring between approximately 1.8 inches and 2.3 inches long and females measuring between about 2.4 inches and 2.6 inches long, they said.
The frogs have a 'rounded' snout and 'smooth' skin with bony protrusions on their backs. The amphibians have a 'pale cream' line bordered with dark brown running down the centre of their bodies. Their light brown limbs are adorned with dark stripes.
According to the scientists, the new species confirmed for the first time that the Nidirana genus has been found in India. Nidirana species are known in Japan, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.
The amphibians have 'irregular shaped and sized spots' on their eyelids and they have dark stripes around their moderately large eyes. Their pupils are gold-rimmed. Their irises are dark brown and have a golden spackle.
The frogs' throat, forelimbs, thighs and lower legs are light brown and pinkish, according to the study. Their groin and the outside of their thighs are pale yellow with irregular dark olive patches, and their cream-coloured chest and belly have a golden tinge.
Nidirana are known to inhabit swamps, ponds and paddy fields, and they often construct nests to lay their eggs, the study said.
Noa-Dihing Music Frogs are distinguished from other species by their size, their oval toe tips, the tubercles on their backs and their unique call, researchers said.
The discovery of a new species validates the presence of the genus Nidirana from India and emphasises the importance of exploring specialized habitats such as marshlands, which are often overlooked, the scientists observed.
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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
